1999 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1999 Ford Fiesta is newer by 20 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, 1999 Ford Fiesta (128 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 955 kg more than 1999 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Fiesta. (174 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Fiesta. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Fiesta 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:
| 1999 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
