2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 205 kg more than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2009 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Hyundai | Pontiac |
| Model | Sonata | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2950 mm |
