1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2005 Scion xA
To start off, 2005 Scion xA is newer by 26 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 42 more horse power than 2005 Scion xA. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2005 Scion xA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 730 kg more than 2005 Scion xA. 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, 2005 Scion xA, 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 2005 Scion xA. (142 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Scion xA. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2005 Scion xA has manual transmission. 2005 Scion xA 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 | 2005 Scion xA | |
| Make | Pontiac | Scion |
| Model | Grand Safari | xA |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2380 mm |
