1961 BMW 501 vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 501 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP) has 49 more horse power than 1961 BMW 501. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 455 kg more than 1961 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 501. (182 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 501 | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 501 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 149 HP |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
