2008 Opel Vectra vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra 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 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (176 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Vectra weights approximately 219 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.
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 Opel Vectra (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2008 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Opel | Pontiac |
| Model | Vectra | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3174 cc | 3350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 1406 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
