2001 AC Cobra vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2001 AC Cobra is newer by 13 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 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 AC Cobra (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 175 kg more than 2001 AC Cobra.
Because 2001 AC Cobra 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 2001 AC Cobra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2001 AC Cobra (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 AC Cobra | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2630 mm |
