1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (166 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 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 165 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
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, 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (387 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Monte Carlo | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2950 mm |
