2009 BMW 120 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 30 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 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 490 kg more than 2009 BMW 120.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 120 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
