1978 Mazda 818 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 800 kg more than 1978 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 818 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 818 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2950 mm |
