2005 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 625 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic.
Because 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (192 Nm @ 5900 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2005 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2005 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Civic | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Civic | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2950 mm |
