1986 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 24 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 335 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2578 mm |
