1988 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 14 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 24 more horse power than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 685 kg more than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 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, 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 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 | 2002 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5031 cc | 2200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
