1987 Lada Samara vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (52 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 205 kg more than 1987 Lada Samara. 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. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Samara | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1100 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2630 mm |
