2008 Honda S2000 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Honda S2000 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda S2000 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Honda S2000 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 2008 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda S2000. (220 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda S2000 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | S2000 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 69 L |
