1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 250 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
