1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 565 kg more than 1996 Toyota MR2.
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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota MR2. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Safari | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
