2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 11 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW M3 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 2012 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 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 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Am | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2761 mm |
