2005 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,392 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 7 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 123 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 2011 BMW 120 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 2011 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Grand Am. (285 Nm). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Am | 120 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1402 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 51 L |
