1998 Holden Statesman vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1998 Holden Statesman is newer by 17 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, 1998 Holden Statesman (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Holden Statesman 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 280 kg more than 1998 Holden Statesman.
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 Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Holden Statesman. (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Holden Statesman.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Holden Statesman | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Holden | Pontiac |
| Model | Statesman | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |
