1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 28 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, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 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 185 kg more than 2009 BMW 325.
Because 2009 BMW 325 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, 2009 BMW 325 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 325. (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Safari | 325 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2770 mm |
