1988 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 665 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1988 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Caprice | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
