1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2009 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 250 kg more than 2009 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Forester 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 | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Pontiac | Subaru |
| Model | Grand Safari | Forester |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2616 mm |
