2009 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 419 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will offer significantly more control. 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 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Avalanche | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2630 mm |
