2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1989 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 339 kg more than 1989 Nissan Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Santana. (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | 1989 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Am | Santana |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1413 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2560 mm |
