2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser (150 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser weights approximately 73 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 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, 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | PT Cruiser | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1873 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |
