2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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 Dodge Caliber. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 125 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Caliber. (170 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Caliber. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caliber | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 69 L |
