2006 BMW 330 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,399 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 613 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 330 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 2006 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2006 BMW 330 (298 Nm) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 3399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1812 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 76 L |
