1997 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 2012 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2012 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 875 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Cadillac Escalade 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 2012 Cadillac Escalade. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | 2012 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | Pontiac | Cadillac |
| Model | Grand Prix | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1614 kg | 2489 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1928 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2946 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 98 L |
