1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Toyota Sienna
To start off, 2012 Toyota Sienna 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, 2012 Toyota Sienna (266 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Sienna weights approximately 250 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.
Because 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Sienna, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Toyota Sienna (332 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Sienna 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 Toyota Sienna | |
| Make | Pontiac | Toyota |
| Model | Grand Safari | Sienna |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1984 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3030 mm |
