1989 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1974 Renault 12
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Renault 12 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 86 more horse power than 1974 Renault 12. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1974 Renault 12. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 935 kg more than 1974 Renault 12. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 12, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Renault 12. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Renault 12. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1974 Renault 12 has manual transmission. 1974 Renault 12 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 | 1974 Renault 12 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grand Safari | 12 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2450 mm |
