2004 Saturn ION vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2004 Saturn ION is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 Saturn ION. (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2004 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn ION weights approximately 15 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Saturn ION. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2004 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2004 Saturn ION will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Saturn ION | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Saturn | Pontiac |
| Model | ION | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2187 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
