2008 BMW X3 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1986 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 X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 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 BMW X3 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | X3 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2630 mm |
