2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Fiesta (263 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 723 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2950 mm |
