1963 Honda S500 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 509 kg more than 1963 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Honda S500 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 1963 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | S500 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 69 L |
