2009 Chevrolet Cobalt vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (155 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 620 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 Chevrolet Cobalt (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobalt | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2630 mm |
