1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 355 kg more than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Because 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has manual transmission. 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 | 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Pontiac | Suzuki |
| Model | Grand Safari | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
