1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2000 Volvo S60
To start off, 2000 Volvo S60 is newer by 19 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, 2000 Volvo S60 (246 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volvo S60 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 324 kg more than 2000 Volvo S60.
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, 2000 Volvo S60, 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, 2000 Volvo S60 (330 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Volvo S60 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 2000 Volvo S60 has manual transmission. 2000 Volvo S60 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 | 2000 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volvo |
| Model | Grand Safari | S60 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 246 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2720 mm |
