1995 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 GMC Safari is newer by 14 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1995 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 GMC Safari weights approximately 339 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 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 GMC Safari | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 79 L |
