1956 Maserati 450 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Maserati 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Maserati 450 would be higher. At 4,478 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Maserati 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Maserati 450 (395 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Maserati 450 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 340 kg more than 1956 Maserati 450.
Because 1956 Maserati 450 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 Maserati 450. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 Maserati 450 (487 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1956 Maserati 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1956 Maserati 450 has manual transmission. 1956 Maserati 450 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Maserati 450 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Maserati | Pontiac |
| Model | 450 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4478 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 487 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1130 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
