1959 Morgan 4 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan 4 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 @ 5600 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1959 Morgan 4. (33 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1959 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 585 kg more than 1959 Morgan 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morgan 4 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 Morgan 4. 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 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morgan 4. (73 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morgan 4. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1959 Morgan 4 has manual transmission. 1959 Morgan 4 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:
| 1959 Morgan 4 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Morgan | Pontiac |
| Model | 4 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
