1988 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2013 Kia Optima
To start off, 2013 Kia Optima is newer by 25 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia Optima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia Optima weights approximately 303 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, 2013 Kia Optima (365 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | 2013 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Kia |
| Model | Grand Am | Optima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4845 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2795 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 70 L |
