1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 32 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 292 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2013 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Safari | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| 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 | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2578 mm |
