1986 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort 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 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 325 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 69 L |
