2008 Ford Focus vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 95 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (140 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 574 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 235 HP |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2570 mm |
