1977 Mini MK IV vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mini MK IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mini MK IV would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1977 Mini MK IV. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1977 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1977 Mini MK IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Mini MK IV, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mini MK IV. (76 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mini MK IV. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1977 Mini MK IV has manual transmission. 1977 Mini MK IV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mini MK IV | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mini | Pontiac |
| Model | MK IV | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 645 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2950 mm |
