2012 Peugeot 408 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2012 Peugeot 408 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Peugeot 408 (110 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Peugeot 408 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Peugeot 408. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Peugeot 408. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2012 Peugeot 408 has manual transmission. 2012 Peugeot 408 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Peugeot 408 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Peugeot | Pontiac |
| Model | 408 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1815 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1525 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
