1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 1 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 185 kg more than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | 380 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2950 mm |
