1990 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1990 Dodge Spirit is newer by 9 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, 1990 Dodge Spirit (224 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Dodge Spirit 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 484 kg more than 1990 Dodge Spirit.
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, 1990 Dodge Spirit, 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Dodge Spirit. (294 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Dodge Spirit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Spirit | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1316 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
