1989 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (541 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 586 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 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 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500. 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, 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | 2010 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Grand Am | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 541 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 61 L |
