1999 Ford Focus vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 14 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Focus (99 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Focus weights approximately 110 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Ford Focus | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
