2005 Audi A3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 26 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A3 (113 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3 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 650 kg more than 2005 Audi A3.
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, 2005 Audi A3, 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 (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Audi A3. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Audi A3 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | A3 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
