1981 Nissan Patrol vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Patrol. (94 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 640 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Because 1981 Nissan Patrol is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Patrol (215 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 1981 Nissan Patrol has manual transmission. 1981 Nissan Patrol will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Patrol | 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | Patrol | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2740 mm |
