1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1996 Seat Marbella
To start off, 1996 Seat Marbella is newer by 15 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 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 109 more horse power than 1996 Seat Marbella. (40 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Marbella. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 1120 kg more than 1996 Seat Marbella. 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, 1996 Seat Marbella, 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Marbella. (60 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Marbella. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 Seat Marbella has manual transmission. 1996 Seat Marbella will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1996 Seat Marbella | |
| Make | Pontiac | Seat |
| Model | Grand Safari | Marbella |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2170 mm |
