1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima 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 269 kg more than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
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 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Safari | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2776 mm |
