1996 Mitsubishi Challenger vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (242 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger weights approximately 75 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger 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 Mitsubishi Challenger | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Pontiac |
| Model | Challenger | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
