2003 Holden Barina vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Holden Barina 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Holden Barina. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 353 kg more than 2003 Holden Barina. 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Barina. (120 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Barina. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2003 Holden Barina has manual transmission. 2003 Holden Barina 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:
| 2003 Holden Barina | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Barina | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1413 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2740 mm |
