1997 Honda Civic vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 940 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
