1971 Ford Mustang vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 18 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 4,726 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (251 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 235 kg more than 1971 Ford Mustang.
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, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Mustang. (146 Nm). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Mustang | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4726 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2630 mm |
