1988 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 269 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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 Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Grand Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5031 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2750 mm |
