1986 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra is newer by 26 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 390 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Pontiac | Nissan |
| Model | Grand Safari | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2685 mm |
