2002 Cadillac Catera vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Cadillac Catera is newer by 21 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, 2002 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Cadillac Catera 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 95 kg more than 2002 Cadillac Catera.
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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Cadillac Catera. (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Cadillac Catera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Cadillac Catera | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Cadillac | Pontiac |
| Model | Catera | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2950 mm |
