2003 Nissan Xterra vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 292 kg more than 2003 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2003 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Xterra. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Xterra. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Xterra has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Xterra 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 Nissan Xterra | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Xterra | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2950 mm |
