2005 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 112 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (279 Nm) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (166 Nm). This means 2005 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1402 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
