1976 Dodge Aspen vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1976 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 230 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1976 Dodge Aspen 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 1976 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Aspen | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |
