2006 Ford S-Max vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2006 Ford S-Max is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2006 Ford S-Max. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford S-Max weights approximately 129 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford S-Max. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2006 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford S-Max | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | S-Max | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
