2001 BMW 320 vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 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 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 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 402 kg more than 2001 BMW 320.
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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 320 | 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 | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
