1988 BMW 525 vs. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 BMW 525.
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, 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 525 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
