1978 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 33 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 444 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Frontier 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 | 2011 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Safari | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1872 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3200 mm |
