2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber 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 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 295 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.
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 Dodge Caliber (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 2009 Dodge Caliber 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 Dodge Caliber will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caliber | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2630 mm |
