1997 AC Cobra vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1997 AC Cobra is newer by 19 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. Both 1997 AC Cobra and 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari are equipped with a 4,942 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 AC Cobra 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 846 kg more than 1997 AC Cobra.
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, 1997 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1997 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1997 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 AC Cobra | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | AC | Pontiac |
| Model | Cobra | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2950 mm |
