1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 1190 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Europa | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
