2009 Pontiac G6 vs. 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Pontiac G6 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac G6 (217 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G6 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 520 kg more than 2009 Pontiac G6.
Because 1978 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 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac G6, 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, 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac G6. (294 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac G6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Pontiac G6 | 1978 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | G6 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1352 kg | 1872 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
