2011 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 23 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 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 570 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 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. 1988 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 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:
| 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Pontiac |
| Model | 159 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1805 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 69 L |
