1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Renault Spider.
Because 1997 Renault Spider 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 1997 Renault Spider. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grand Am | Spider |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2469 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2350 mm |
