1976 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen Golf (180 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf 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 484 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (236 Nm). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Golf 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:
| 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2550 mm |
