2003 Acura TL vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Acura TL is newer by 1 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, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura TL weights approximately 165 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.
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, 2003 Acura TL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | TL | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 54 L |
