1976 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 35 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, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 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 215 kg more than 2011 BMW M3.
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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW M3 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 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Safari | M3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2761 mm |
