2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 32 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Pontiac Grand Am | 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Grand Am | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1413 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
