1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 is newer by 33 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, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 650 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 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 | 2012 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Safari | 650 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2855 mm |
