1980 Ford Escort vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 940 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 148 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
