1999 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1999 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 11 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1999 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1999 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 175 kg more than 1999 Fiat Barchetta. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Fiat Barchetta. (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Fiat Barchetta. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1999 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 1999 Fiat Barchetta 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:
| 1999 Fiat Barchetta | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Barchetta | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2630 mm |
