2009 BMW 550 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 4,798 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1989 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 550 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 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 550 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 550 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4798 cc | 1996 cc |
Horse Power | 362 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |