1972 BMW 3 vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 496 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1972 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1972 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 3 | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |