1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 6 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 369 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 1995 Ford Thunderbird 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 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
