1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 270 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 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
Model | Corvette | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 227 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 407 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |