1997 Dodge Viper vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 8 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 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 213 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 330 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 1997 Dodge Viper 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 1997 Dodge Viper. 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Dodge Viper | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
Model | Viper | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7990 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 376 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 620 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |