2002 Ford Taurus vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 323 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Because 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
