2009 Nissan Altima vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 471 kg more than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Altima. (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Altima | 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Altima | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2487 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
