1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 670 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Safari | Passat |
Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 142 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4580 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |