2002 Oldsmobile Aurora vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 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 Oldsmobile Aurora (247 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora 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 75 kg more than 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora.
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, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora, 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, 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Pontiac |
| Model | Aurora | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3995 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
