1978 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1975 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 1052 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1975 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1872 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
