1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 31 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 6 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 240 kg more than 2012 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Grand Safari | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
