2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2011 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 9 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
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 (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen GTI. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen GTI 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 | 2011 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | GTI |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3349 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4211 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
