1988 Ford Fairlane vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1988 Ford Fairlane. (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 217 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Fairlane has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Fairlane will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Fairlane | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fairlane | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
