2006 Smart Roadster vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2006 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 350 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart Roadster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Smart Roadster | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Smart | Pontiac |
| Model | Roadster | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 698 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3430 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 69 L |
