2008 Ford Focus vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (222 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 478 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, both vehicles can yield 320 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Focus | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2522 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |
