1959 Abarth 600 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 600. (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 650 kg more than 1959 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 600 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 1959 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 600 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Abarth | Pontiac |
| Model | 600 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
