1972 Lincoln Continental 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 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 7,542 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Lincoln Continental (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 530 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 1972 Lincoln Continental (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lincoln Continental | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Lincoln | Pontiac |
| Model | Continental | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7542 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5720 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2950 mm |
