1996 Honda Civic vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (104 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 785 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
