Performance
The 1998 Grand Am came standard with a 2.4 Liter DOHC 16-Valve 4 cylinder engine. This engine puts out 150 bhp at 5600 rpms and 155 ft-lbs of torque at 4400 rpms. The GT model came with an optional 3.1 Liter V6 with 155 bhp. When I first bought this car, I thought I was going to get this slow 4-banger that couldn't move at all. But soon after that I was proved wrong. I took it out on the road and this car moved. I would take off from red lights and peel the tires out, which isn't bad for a small 4 cylinder. The reason I was so suprised at the power of this car is that my family has a 93 Grand Am SE with a 2.3 Liter SOHC 4 cylinder and it is slow in comparison. The 0 to 60 time from the 2.4 Liter 4 cylinder is about 7.7 seconds for the 5 speed(8.4 seconds with automatic), in comparison to a 98 Honda Accord Coupe with a 3.0 Liter V6 and 200 bhp coming in at the same time. From day one, I was very impressed with this car and I enjoy driving it. And now I understand why Pontiac is known for "Driving Excitement".