1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 450 kg more than 1956 Austin A 30. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Austin A 30 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 1956 Austin A 30. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1956 Austin A 30 has manual transmission. 1956 Austin A 30 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 30 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2630 mm |
