2003 Ford Expedition vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Ford Expedition is newer by 22 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 5,407 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Expedition (256 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Expedition weights approximately 690 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 2003 Ford Expedition 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, 2003 Ford Expedition 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, 2003 Ford Expedition (467 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Expedition | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Expedition | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5407 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2490 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
