2003 Honda Pilot vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Honda Pilot is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Pilot (240 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 771 kg more than 2003 Honda Pilot.
Because 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Pilot, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Pilot. (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Pilot.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Pilot | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Pilot | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1114 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
