1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 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 74 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 611 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Safari | Golf |
Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1390 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 126 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1189 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |