2012 Ford F-150 vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 1253 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford F-150 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 2012 Ford F-150. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2012 Ford F-150 (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford F-150 | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | F-150 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5000 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2383 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5890 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2012 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3670 mm | 2630 mm |
