1986 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 930 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Escort | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Escort | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1115 cc | 5032 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 48 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |