2001 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 444 kg more than 2001 BMW 318.
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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 318 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
