2009 Ford Ka vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2009 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 99 kg more than 2009 Ford Ka. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Ka. (136 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Ka. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Ka | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 69 L |
