2009 Nissan Armada vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Nissan Armada is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 5,552 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Armada weights approximately 430 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Armada 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 Nissan Armada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Nissan Armada (522 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 2009 Nissan Armada has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Armada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Armada | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Armada | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5552 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5280 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2630 mm |
