1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 18 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (156 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 167 kg more than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
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, 1996 Dodge Caravan, 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Caravan. (275 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Caravan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Caravan | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2950 mm |
