2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari

To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 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 675 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.

Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (204 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

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