2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 259 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 80 L |
