1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 335 kg more than 1978 Dodge Aspen. 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Aspen | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2950 mm |
