2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 18 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 2,657 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Sonata (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 451 kg more than 1988 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 Hyundai Sonata (250 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
| Model | Sonata | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2657 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 69 L |
