2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 269 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Explorer | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Explorer | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 292 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 427 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 69 L |