2006 Honda Element vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 797 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Element. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Element. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2006 Honda Element has manual transmission. 2006 Honda Element will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Element | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Element | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
