1998 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 245 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Volkswagen Polo | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Polo | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
