1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 18 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 815 kg more than 1979 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Renault 18, 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grand Safari | 18 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
