1998 BMW 316 vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 129 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 431 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 316 | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
