1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 287 kg more than 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5792 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2950 mm |
