2011 Ferrari 458 Italia vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia weights approximately 250 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia 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 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia has manual transmission. 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ferrari | Pontiac |
| Model | 458 Italia | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4500 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 570 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 9000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 539 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4526 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1938 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1214 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2649 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L | 69 L |
