1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio 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 782 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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 (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Rio has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Rio 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 | 2012 Kia Rio | |
Make | Pontiac | Kia |
Model | Grand Safari | Rio |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 274 Nm | 167 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1093 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4046 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1455 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |