1974 Ford Capri vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 145 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Capri | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 90 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
