2004 MG ZS vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2004 MG ZS 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 MG ZS (175 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 MG ZS 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 655 kg more than 2004 MG ZS.
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 MG ZS, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 MG ZS. (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 MG ZS. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2004 MG ZS has manual transmission. 2004 MG ZS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 MG ZS | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | MG | Pontiac |
| Model | ZS | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
