1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 8 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP) has 74 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 910 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Fiesta 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:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 149 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2950 mm |
