1995 Nissan Serena vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1995 Nissan Serena is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Nissan Serena (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Nissan Serena should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Nissan Serena weights approximately 255 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Nissan Serena 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 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Serena. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1995 Nissan Serena has manual transmission. 1995 Nissan Serena will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan Serena | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Serena | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2630 mm |
