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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 32 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
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 | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 1374 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 | 62 L |
