1978 Fiat Mirafiori vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Mirafiori would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Mirafiori (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Mirafiori should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori.
Because 1978 Fiat Mirafiori 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 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Mirafiori.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Mirafiori | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Mirafiori | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2630 mm |
