2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 725 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Nitro | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 69 L |
