2005 Ford Freestar vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2005 Ford Freestar 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Freestar (190 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Freestar weights approximately 140 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Freestar, 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, 2005 Ford Freestar (336 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Freestar | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Freestar | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3802 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2950 mm |
