1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. (139 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 85 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2950 mm |
