1978 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 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, 2004 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 492 kg more than 2004 BMW 318.
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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Safari | 318 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1872 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
