1999 Honda Shuttle vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1999 Honda Shuttle 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 Honda Shuttle (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Shuttle 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 205 kg more than 1999 Honda Shuttle.
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, 1999 Honda Shuttle, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Shuttle. (270 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Shuttle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Shuttle | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Shuttle | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2950 mm |
