1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 277 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Chevrolet Caprice (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
