2008 Dodge Caliber vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Dodge Caliber is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Caliber (285 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2002 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 Dodge Caliber (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 2002 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. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Caliber | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caliber | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 54 L |
