1996 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari

To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 720 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1996 Ford Escort 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
Make Ford Pontiac
Model Escort Grand Safari
Year Released 1996 1979
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1391 cc 5032 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 74 HP 148 HP
Torque 114 Nm 325 Nm
Torque RPM 2750 RPM 1600 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1080 kg 1800 kg
Vehicle Length 4300 mm 5450 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 2020 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1460 mm


 

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