2012 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (281 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 878 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse (360 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Traverse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Traverse | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2113 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5207 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1991 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1849 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3020 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 69 L |
