1957 Abarth 500 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP) has 143 more horse power than 1957 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1957 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 790 kg more than 1957 Abarth 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Abarth 500 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 1957 Abarth 500. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Abarth 500. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1957 Abarth 500 has manual transmission. 1957 Abarth 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Abarth 500 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Abarth | Pontiac |
| Model | 500 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 478 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 163 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 69 L |
