1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 843 kg more than 1984 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 400 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 400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 400 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
