1984 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
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 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 930 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
