2004 BMW 320 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 BMW 320 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 2004 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2004 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
