2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 175 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | Roadster | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 69 L |
