1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 125 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Chevrolet Vega 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 1972 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Vega | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Vega | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
