1971 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 485 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 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1971 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5752 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 330 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 503 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2630 mm |