1977 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 501 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
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 Jetta, 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2651 mm |
