1994 Ford Contour vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1994 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1994 Ford Contour. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 630 kg more than 1994 Ford Contour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Ford Contour, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Contour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Contour | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Contour | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
