2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (164 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. (216 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2401 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 69 L |
