1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2012 Buick Enclave is newer by 28 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick Enclave is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Enclave weights approximately 1038 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 2012 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. 2012 Buick Enclave has automatic transmission and 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick Enclave will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 2012 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Grand Am | Enclave |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2469 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1842 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3020 mm |
