1999 Nissan Xterra vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1999 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 454 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.
Because 1999 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1999 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 1999 Nissan Xterra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Nissan Xterra | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Xterra | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1584 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
