2009 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder 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 3,953 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 94 kg more than 1988 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 Pathfinder 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 Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Pathfinder (288 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Nissan Pathfinder | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
Model | Pathfinder | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3953 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 262 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 288 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 69 L |