1989 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 361 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
Model | Grand Safari | Passat |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 139 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 346 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1524 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2712 mm |