1995 Acura NSX vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1995 Acura NSX is newer by 7 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Acura NSX weights approximately 135 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.
Because 1995 Acura NSX 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 1995 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1995 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Acura NSX | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | NSX | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |
