2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 17 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 44 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier 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:
| 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Cavalier | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 69 L |
