2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (309 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 517 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (358 Nm) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 3399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 309 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1199 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
