2002 Acura NSX vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 16 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura NSX weights approximately 322 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 2002 Acura NSX 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 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 2002 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2002 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 2002 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Acura NSX | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Acura | Pontiac |
Model | NSX | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 286 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 304 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |