1988 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 350 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5031 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
