1989 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 1981 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Am | Corona |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 75 L |
