1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 255 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1974 Chevrolet Nova 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 1974 Chevrolet Nova. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Nova | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
