2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac Solstice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
Model | Solstice | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2383 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 226 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 69 L |