1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1961 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Wartburg 312 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 113 more horse power than 1961 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1961 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 840 kg more than 1961 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Wartburg 312, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1961 Wartburg 312 | |
Make | Pontiac | Wartburg |
Model | Grand Safari | 312 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 900 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 36 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 81 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 70.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2460 mm |