2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 88 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Am | C |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 1494 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
