2009 GMC Canyon vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am

To start off, 2009 GMC Canyon is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 GMC Canyon (186 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (170 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 GMC Canyon should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 GMC Canyon weights approximately 317 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2009 GMC Canyon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 GMC Canyon 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 GMC Canyon. (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 GMC Canyon. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 GMC Canyon has manual transmission. 2009 GMC Canyon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 GMC Canyon 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
Make GMC Pontiac
Model Canyon Grand Am
Year Released 2009 2002
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2901 cc 3491 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 186 HP 170 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 4800 RPM
Torque 258 Nm 264 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.8:1 9.5:1
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1730 kg 1413 kg
Vehicle Length 5270 mm 4740 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1790 mm
Vehicle Height 1720 mm 1410 mm
Wheelbase Size 3210 mm 2740 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 72 L 54 L