1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari

To start off, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 7,460 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (360 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 85 kg more than 1970 Pontiac GTO.

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 GTO (678 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO 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 1970 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 1970 Pontiac GTO 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:

1970 Pontiac GTO 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
Make Pontiac Pontiac
Model GTO Grand Safari
Year Released 1970 1980
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 7460 cc 5032 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 360 HP 148 HP
Engine RPM 4300 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 678 Nm 325 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 1600 RPM
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1715 kg 1800 kg
Vehicle Length 5160 mm 5450 mm
Vehicle Width 1950 mm 2020 mm
Vehicle Height 1340 mm 1460 mm
Wheelbase Size 2850 mm 2950 mm


 

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