1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport is newer by 10 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 30 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. (118 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 300 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
