1989 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 23 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 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 745 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 2012 Dodge Charger 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 2012 Dodge Charger. 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, 2012 Dodge Charger (637 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Pontiac Grand Am | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
Make | Pontiac | Dodge |
Model | Grand Am | Charger |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1996 cc | 6400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 470 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 637 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1980 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5088 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1885 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1481 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3053 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 72 L |