1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 27 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, 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix (200 HP) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 448 kg more than 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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, 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
