2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 148 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 460 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 1984 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 1984 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |
