1979 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ferrari 308 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 Ferrari 308. 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 308 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2630 mm |
