1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2011 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 30 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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 726 kg more than 2011 Toyota Tacoma.
Because 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma 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, 2011 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2011 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Safari | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3250 mm |
