1977 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
