2009 Cadillac BLS vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Cadillac BLS is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac BLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac BLS (252 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac BLS should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac BLS weights approximately 505 kg more than 1986 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, 2009 Cadillac BLS (365 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac BLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Cadillac BLS has manual transmission. 2009 Cadillac BLS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac BLS | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | BLS | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
