1998 BMW 318 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1998 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
