2002 Hyundai Elantra vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari

To start off, 2002 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 24 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2002 Hyundai Elantra. (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2002 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 677 kg more than 2002 Hyundai Elantra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Hyundai Elantra. (183 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Hyundai Elantra. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Hyundai Elantra has manual transmission. 2002 Hyundai Elantra 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:

2002 Hyundai Elantra 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
Make Hyundai Pontiac
Model Elantra Grand Safari
Year Released 2002 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1996 cc 4942 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 137 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 3600 RPM
Torque 183 Nm 319 Nm
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1195 kg 1872 kg
Vehicle Length 4500 mm 5450 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 2020 mm
Vehicle Height 1430 mm 1460 mm
Wheelbase Size 2620 mm 2950 mm