1971 Buick GS vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick GS weights approximately 502 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Buick GS 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 1971 Buick GS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1971 Buick GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1971 Buick GS has manual transmission. 1971 Buick GS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Buick GS | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | GS | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5724 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 394 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |