1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2012 Ford Expedition 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Expedition weights approximately 717 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 2012 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Expedition 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 | 2012 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Pontiac | Ford |
| Model | Grand Safari | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 2517 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1961 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3023 mm |
