1985 Nissan Pulsar vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Pulsar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Pulsar would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 355 kg more than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Pulsar. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Pulsar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan Pulsar | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Pulsar | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1268 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
