1986 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 17 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 508 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1292 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
