1979 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 285 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Firebird | 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Firebird | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2950 mm |
