1961 Austin A 99 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 99 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin A 99 (107 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin A 99 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 345 kg more than 1961 Austin A 99.
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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 99. (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 99. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1961 Austin A 99 has manual transmission. 1961 Austin A 99 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 99 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Austin | Pontiac |
| Model | A 99 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2950 mm |
