2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 25 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 392 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang 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:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
