2001 Lexus IS vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2001 Lexus IS is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 485 kg more than 2001 Lexus IS.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lexus IS. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2001 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2001 Lexus IS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lexus IS | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Lexus | Pontiac |
| Model | IS | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2950 mm |
