2009 BMW 130 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 BMW 130 is newer by 7 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, 2009 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 130 weights approximately 9 kg more than 2002 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 130 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 130. 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, 2009 BMW 130 (315 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 130 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 130 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
