2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 717 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda 3 | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | 3 | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1349 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 319 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1872 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |