1981 Dodge Mirada vs. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1981 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 298 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1981 Dodge Mirada 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 1981 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Grand Am. (285 Nm). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Dodge Mirada | 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Mirada | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1402 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2810 mm |
