2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2002 Lexus IS
To start off, 2002 Lexus IS is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 30 kg more than 2002 Lexus IS.
Because 2002 Lexus IS 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 2002 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 Pontiac Grand Am (278 Nm) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lexus IS. (195 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | 2002 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Pontiac | Lexus |
| Model | Grand Am | IS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2680 mm |
