2009 Cadillac CTS vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Cadillac CTS is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac CTS (307 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 658 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Cadillac CTS 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 2009 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2009 Cadillac CTS (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac CTS | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | CTS | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 2469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 307 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1788 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
