2009 Jeep Commander vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Jeep Commander 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Commander (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Commander 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 407 kg more than 2009 Jeep Commander.
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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Jeep Commander. (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Jeep Commander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Commander | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Commander | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2950 mm |
