2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Fiesta (150 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 748 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1989 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 1989 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1137 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2950 mm |
