2004 Pontiac Montana vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2004 Pontiac Montana is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 80 kg more than 2004 Pontiac Montana.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Montana, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Pontiac Montana. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Pontiac Montana.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Pontiac Montana | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Montana | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
