1986 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 330 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3134 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2740 mm |
