1989 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1961 MG MGA
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG MGA would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 MG MGA. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1961 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 985 kg more than 1961 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG MGA. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG MGA. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1961 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1961 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1961 MG MGA | |
| Make | Pontiac | MG |
| Model | Grand Safari | MGA |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2390 mm |
