2003 Pontiac GTO vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Pontiac GTO is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 Pontiac GTO.
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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Pontiac GTO | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | GTO | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
