1986 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 weights approximately 354 kg more than 1986 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Am | V50 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
