2008 Nissan Frontier vs. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Nissan Frontier is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 605 kg more than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Frontier, 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 Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Frontier | 1980 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Frontier | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2405 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2950 mm |
