2009 Audi A3 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 355 kg more than 2009 Audi A3.
Because 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3, 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, 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Audi A3. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Audi | Pontiac |
| Model | A3 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
