2006 Ford Freestyle vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestyle is newer by 27 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, 2006 Ford Freestyle (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestyle 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 580 kg more than 2006 Ford Freestyle.
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, 2006 Ford Freestyle, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Freestyle. (282 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Freestyle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestyle | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Freestyle | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 282 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2950 mm |
