2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 690 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Taurus | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2950 mm |
