1984 Pontiac Phoenix vs. 1965 Pontiac Catalina
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Pontiac Catalina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Pontiac Catalina would be higher. At 6,891 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Pontiac Catalina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Pontiac Catalina should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Pontiac Catalina weights approximately 785 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1965 Pontiac Catalina 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 1965 Pontiac Catalina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Phoenix, 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, 1965 Pontiac Catalina (625 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 444 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. (181 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1965 Pontiac Catalina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Phoenix. 1965 Pontiac Catalina has automatic transmission and 1984 Pontiac Phoenix has manual transmission. 1984 Pontiac Phoenix will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Pontiac Catalina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Phoenix | 1965 Pontiac Catalina | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Phoenix | Catalina |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 6891 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 625 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3080 mm |
