2009 Dodge Dakota vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Dodge Dakota is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Dakota (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 2009 Dodge Dakota 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 Dodge Dakota. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Dakota. (236 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Dakota. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Dakota has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Dakota will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Dakota | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3340 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 69 L |
