2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 192 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1885 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 |
