2004 Honda Element vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2004 Honda Element 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 Honda Element (153 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element 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 263 kg more than 2004 Honda Element.
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 Honda Element, 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) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Element. (220 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Element.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Element | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Element | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2950 mm |
