1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Toyota Matrix
To start off, 2011 Toyota Matrix 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 Toyota Matrix (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Matrix should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
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, 2011 Toyota Matrix, 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 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Matrix. (219 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Matrix. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2011 Toyota Matrix has manual transmission. 2011 Toyota Matrix 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 | 2011 Toyota Matrix | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Safari | Matrix |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1549 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2601 mm |
