1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 585 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 1970 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Impala | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2630 mm |
