1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Alpina D3
To start off, 2011 Alpina D3 is newer by 32 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, 2011 Alpina D3 (211 HP) has 63 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina D3 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 240 kg more than 2011 Alpina D3.
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, 2011 Alpina D3 (450 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm). This means 2011 Alpina D3 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 | 2011 Alpina D3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Alpina |
| Model | Grand Safari | D3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 211 HP |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
