1998 Buick Regal vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 Buick Regal is newer by 13 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Buick Regal (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Buick Regal weights approximately 364 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.
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, 1998 Buick Regal (312 Nm) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm). This means 1998 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Buick Regal | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Regal | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2630 mm |
