1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 330 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2630 mm |
