2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (148 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 378 kg more 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, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (301 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1613 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 69 L |
