1968 Opel Olympia vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1968 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1968 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 350 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 1968 Opel Olympia. 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Opel Olympia. (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Opel Olympia. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1968 Opel Olympia has manual transmission. 1968 Opel Olympia 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:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Olympia | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
