1999 GMC Safari vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 370 kg more than 1971 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
