2004 BMW 325 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2004 BMW 325 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2004 BMW 325. (116 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 325 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 2004 BMW 325 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 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 325. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 325 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 325 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
