1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 95 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Gran Torino | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 66 L |
