1986 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1986 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (104 HP) has 18 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 805 kg more than 1986 BMW 316. 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 316 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 104 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
