2001 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 440 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
Because 1976 Pontiac Grand 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (320 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Am | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2950 mm |
