1998 Mazda Sentia vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1998 Mazda Sentia 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 Mazda Sentia (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda Sentia 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 240 kg more than 1998 Mazda Sentia.
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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda Sentia. (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda Sentia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Sentia | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | Sentia | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
