1979 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 339 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2712 mm |
