2006 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (158 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 114 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW M3 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 M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
