1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2009 Pontiac G8
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G8 is newer by 30 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac G8 (414 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G8 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 471 kg more than 2009 Pontiac G8.
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, 2009 Pontiac G8 (563 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Pontiac G8 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 | 2009 Pontiac G8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | G8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2920 mm |
