2002 Jaguar XK8 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Jaguar XK8 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 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Jaguar XK8 (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 604 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 Jaguar XK8 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 Jaguar XK8. 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 Jaguar XK8 (420 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 2002 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Jaguar XK8 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Jaguar | Pontiac |
| Model | XK8 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
