1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2002 Renault Megane
To start off, 2002 Renault Megane is newer by 21 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP) has 75 more horse power than 2002 Renault Megane. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2002 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 550 kg more than 2002 Renault Megane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Renault Megane, 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Renault Megane. (99 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Renault Megane. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Renault Megane has manual transmission. 2002 Renault Megane 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 | 2002 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Pontiac | Renault |
| Model | Grand Safari | Megane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| 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 | 74 HP |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
