1978 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2003 Proton 400
To start off, 2003 Proton 400 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 2003 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 882 kg more than 2003 Proton 400. 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, 2003 Proton 400, 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 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Proton 400 has manual transmission. 2003 Proton 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2003 Proton 400 | |
Make | Pontiac | Proton |
Model | Grand Safari | 400 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 319 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1872 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |