2001 Nissan Terrano II vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2001 Nissan Terrano II is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Nissan Terrano II (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Terrano II should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 622 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Nissan Terrano II 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, 2001 Nissan Terrano II (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Nissan Terrano II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Nissan Terrano II | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Terrano II | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2389 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2630 mm |
