1956 Buick 40 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 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Buick 40 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 Buick 40. 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Buick 40 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | 40 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1956 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5279 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 462 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1710 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2630 mm |