1989 Subaru Legacy vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Subaru Legacy is newer by 1 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1989 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 5 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1989 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (146 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Subaru Legacy | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Subaru | Pontiac |
| Model | Legacy | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1820 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 69 L |
