1997 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1997 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
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, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Thunderbird | 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Thunderbird | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2950 mm |
