1979 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 47 kg more than 1979 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Mustang. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Mustang | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2630 mm |