2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 154 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Pontiac |
| Model | Golf | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1284 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
