1983 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 530 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1983 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 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (225 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
