1999 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 18 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, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 155 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |
