1978 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 34 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 30 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 958 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Grand Safari | A |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1991 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 319 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1872 kg | 2830 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 3840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |