1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 244 kg more than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2950 mm |
