2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 47 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
