2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 877 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2580 mm |
