2005 Volkswagen Polo vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 17 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 42 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (125 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Polo 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:
| 2005 Volkswagen Polo | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Polo | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 69 L |
