1971 Ford GT 70 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 Ford GT 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford GT 70 would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1971 Ford GT 70. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford GT 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 365 kg more than 1971 Ford GT 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford GT 70 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 Ford GT 70. 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford GT 70. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford GT 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford GT 70 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | GT 70 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2630 mm |
