1979 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 23 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, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am. (220 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Trans Am.
Because 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 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 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, 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 Pontiac Trans Am (434 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL. 2002 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1979 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 1979 Pontiac Trans Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Trans Am | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Pontiac | Acura |
| Model | Trans Am | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 260 HP |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
