2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 548 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Because 1983 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 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z, 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 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2950 mm |
