2005 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 24 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. (145 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 384 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2196 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
