2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 323 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Taurus (338 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2720 mm |
