2009 Nissan Frontier vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 358 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Frontier | 1986 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Frontier | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2950 mm |
