1979 Datsun 280 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Datsun 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Datsun 280 would be higher. At 2,751 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1979 Datsun 280. (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1979 Datsun 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 37 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1979 Datsun 280 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 1979 Datsun 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Datsun 280. (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Datsun 280. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1979 Datsun 280 has manual transmission. 1979 Datsun 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Datsun | Pontiac |
| Model | 280 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2751 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2630 mm |
