2009 Ford F-350 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford F-350 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-350 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-350 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 834 kg more than 2009 Ford F-350.
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, 2009 Ford F-350 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford F-350 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford F-350 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford F-350 | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | F-350 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5770 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2950 mm |
