2009 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 906 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Focus | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Focus | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Torque | 184 Nm | 319 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1872 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2950 mm |