2003 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 24 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, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 490 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | BMW | Pontiac |
Model | M3 | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5736 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 274 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |