2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, both 2002 Caterham Superlight R and 2002 Pontiac Grand Am were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (175 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 924 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Because 2002 Caterham Superlight R 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 Caterham Superlight R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2002 Caterham Superlight R has manual transmission. 2002 Caterham Superlight R will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | Superlight R | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2730 mm |
