1961 AC Cobra vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 820 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1961 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2950 mm |
