1988 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | 1998 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Am | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
