2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2004 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 615 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Thunderbird 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 2004 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Ford Thunderbird | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Thunderbird | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3934 cc | 2471 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 249 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 388 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2630 mm |