2009 Ford Fiesta vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 863 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (204 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fiesta. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fiesta | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1022 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2950 mm |
