1988 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1988 Honda Civic is newer by 2 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 34 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 800 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. 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, 1988 Honda Civic, 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
