1985 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 272 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
