USA vs USA — 1962 vs 1955
| Catalina Super Duty 421 SD | Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 405 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,899 cc | 4,703 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 105 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.0 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,700 lbs | 3,650 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,997 mm |
| Length | 5,334 mm | 5,131 mm |
| Units Produced | 179 | 9,835 |
| Original MSRP | $4,400 | $2,962 |
| Value (Excellent) | $900,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 8/10 |
On balance, the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon counters with better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD for outright capability, or the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Pontiac has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD with the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD holds a clear advantage in raw power with 405 hp compared to 200 hp, a 205-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Catalina Super Duty uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,899 cc, while the Pontiac Safari relies on a V8 OHV (Strato-Streak) with 4,703 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 179 units built, the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac Safari's 9,835 examples. On the collector market, the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD commands a significant premium over the 1955 Pontiac Safari Custom 2-Door Wagon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty 421 SD rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.