1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 540 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Mustang | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2950 mm |
