1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 350 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1970 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2630 mm |
