1988 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2000 Saturn L
To start off, 2000 Saturn L is newer by 12 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 2,998 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Saturn L is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Saturn L (180 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Saturn L should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Saturn L weights approximately 85 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 2000 Saturn L (257 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Saturn L will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. 2000 Saturn L has automatic transmission and 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Saturn L will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | 2000 Saturn L | |
| Make | Pontiac | Saturn |
| Model | Grand Am | L |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 60 L |
