1997 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 320 kg more than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1977 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 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Prix | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3785 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
