2005 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 121 kg more than 1990 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | New Beetle | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
