2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 119 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 54 L |
