2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer 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 913 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
