1974 BMW 3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 367 kg more than 1974 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 3 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | 3 | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5032 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2950 mm |