1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Volkswagen Tiguan (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 256 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.
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 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2604 mm |
