1976 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 36 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 172 kg more than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Ford Explorer, 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 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Grand Safari | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1895 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
