1996 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. (134 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo 146. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo 146 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 146 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2630 mm |
