1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1070 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 GMC Suburban | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | GMC | Pontiac |
Model | Suburban | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 242 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2630 mm |