2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 277 kg more than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2950 mm |
