1958 Ford Zodiac vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 683 kg more than 1958 Ford Zodiac. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Zodiac | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Zodiac | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2950 mm |
