2003 Pontiac Grand Prix vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix (174 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 265 kg more than 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
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, 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Pontiac | Pontiac |
Model | Grand Prix | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3130 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 174 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 264 Nm | 325 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2950 mm |