2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (246 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 115 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | S | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3997 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 246 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2950 mm |
