1963 AC Cobra vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 AC Cobra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 AC Cobra (271 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 750 kg more than 1963 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, 1963 AC Cobra (423 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1963 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1963 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1963 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 AC Cobra | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4727 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 423 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 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 |
