1988 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 746 kg more than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1994 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5031 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
