1982 Ford Capri vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1982 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 245 kg more than 1982 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Ford Capri 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 1982 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Capri. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Capri. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1982 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1982 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Capri | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Capri | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
