2003 Pontiac Bonneville vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville 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 Pontiac Bonneville (275 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville 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 153 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Bonneville.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Bonneville.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac Bonneville | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Bonneville | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1719 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2950 mm |
