2003 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 710 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Prizm, 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, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Chevrolet Prizm has manual transmission. 2003 Chevrolet Prizm will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Prizm | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2950 mm |
