1990 Pontiac Trans Sport vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 300 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
| Model | Trans Sport | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2950 mm |
