2000 GMC Safari vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2000 GMC Safari is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 GMC Safari weights approximately 825 kg more than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 GMC 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 2000 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2000 GMC Safari (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2000 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac Grand Am. 2000 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1985 Pontiac Grand Am has manual transmission. 1985 Pontiac Grand Am will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 GMC Safari | 1985 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2630 mm |
