1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 47 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 Nissan 300 ZX. 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1988 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 Nissan 300 ZX | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 300 ZX | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2740 mm |
