2009 BMW 118 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (123 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 118 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 2009 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 118 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2630 mm |
