1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1996 Volvo V90
To start off, 1996 Volvo V90 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 Volvo V90 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo V90 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 170 kg more than 1996 Volvo V90.
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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volvo V90. (261 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volvo V90.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1996 Volvo V90 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Safari | V90 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
