1980 Buick Electra vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Electra weights approximately 560 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 1980 Buick Electra 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 1980 Buick Electra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1980 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Buick Electra | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Buick | Pontiac |
Model | Electra | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 278 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2630 mm |