2007 Mazda 3 vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1985 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
