2006 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 292 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 2006 Honda Civic (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2202 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
