1976 Porsche 912 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Porsche 912. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Porsche 912 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 @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Porsche 912. (86 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1976 Porsche 912. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 44 kg more than 1976 Porsche 912. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Porsche 912 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 Porsche 912. 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Porsche 912. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Porsche 912. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1976 Porsche 912 has manual transmission. 1976 Porsche 912 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Porsche 912 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Porsche | Pontiac |
| Model | 912 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
