2010 BMW 120 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2010 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 BMW 120 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 120 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2010 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 351 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1235 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 69 L |
