1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 20 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 510 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Grand Safari | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| 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 | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
