2008 Audi A3 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 18 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, 2008 Audi A3 (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Audi A3 (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2008 Audi A3 has manual transmission. 2008 Audi A3 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:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | A3 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 69 L |
