1996 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 212 kg more than 1996 BMW M3.
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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | M3 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
