1976 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 512 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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, both vehicles can yield 320 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
