1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1998 Vector M12
To start off, 1998 Vector M12 is newer by 17 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 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 335 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Vector M12 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 1998 Vector M12.
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, 1998 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1998 Vector M12 has manual transmission. 1998 Vector M12 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 | 1998 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Vector |
| Model | Grand Safari | M12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
