2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 106 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, both vehicles can yield 319 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Jeep | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1978 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2950 mm |
