1987 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Safari | 550 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2969 mm |
