2004 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 23 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (200 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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 148 kg more than 2004 Ford Five Hundred.
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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred, 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Five Hundred. (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Five Hundred.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Five Hundred | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Five Hundred | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 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 | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1652 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2950 mm |
