2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1997 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 500 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai 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 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. (104 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Samurai. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Samurai has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | 1997 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Grand Am | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
