1988 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 24 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 505 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2012 Volkswagen 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 @ 2000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5031 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2537 mm |
