1979 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1987 Porsche 959 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP) has 230 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (220 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (434 Nm). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Porsche |
| Model | Trans Am | 959 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 450 HP |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2270 mm |
