1968 AMC AMX vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 AMC AMX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 AMC AMX would be higher. At 6,386 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 AMC AMX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 AMC AMX (315 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 AMC AMX should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 423 kg more than 1968 AMC AMX.
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, 1968 AMC AMX (576 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 AMC AMX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 AMC AMX | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | AMC | Pontiac |
| Model | AMX | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6386 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.8 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1377 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2950 mm |
