2003 Dodge Stratus vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Dodge Stratus 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Stratus. (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Stratus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 420 kg more than 2003 Dodge Stratus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Stratus, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Stratus | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Stratus | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2950 mm |
