1981 Mazda 121 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 121. (86 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 755 kg more than 1981 Mazda 121. 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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 121. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda 121 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 121 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2950 mm |
