2002 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2002 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW M3 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 69 L |
