1997 Kia Potentia vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1997 Kia Potentia is newer by 9 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 250 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 1997 Kia Potentia 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 Kia Potentia. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Kia Potentia. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Kia Potentia. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1997 Kia Potentia has manual transmission. 1997 Kia Potentia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Kia Potentia | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Kia | Pontiac |
Model | Potentia | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 174 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 186 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2630 mm |