2008 BMW 330 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 20 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 BMW 330. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 69 L |
