1961 Triumph TR3 vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Triumph TR3 (101 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Triumph TR3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 226 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3.
Because 1961 Triumph TR3 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 Triumph TR3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph TR3. (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph TR3. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1961 Triumph TR3 has manual transmission. 1961 Triumph TR3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1961 Triumph TR3 | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Triumph | Pontiac |
Model | TR3 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2138 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 101 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 172 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3350 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 904 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2630 mm |