1986 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ is newer by 26 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (271 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 683 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.
Because 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 2012 Jaguar XJ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (600 Nm) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Pontiac | Jaguar |
| Model | Grand Am | XJ |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2471 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3157 mm |
