2002 Dodge Durango vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Dodge Durango 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 Dodge Durango (232 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Durango weights approximately 175 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.
Because 2002 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Durango will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Dodge Durango (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Durango | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Durango | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4702 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 399 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2950 mm |
