1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight vs. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 325 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, both vehicles can yield 278 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2720 mm |
