1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight 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 41 more horse power than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (108 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 174 kg more than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Eighty-Eight | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2950 mm |
