2006 Acura RSX vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Acura RSX is newer by 25 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, 2006 Acura RSX (155 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RSX 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 526 kg more than 2006 Acura RSX.
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, 2006 Acura RSX, 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Acura RSX. (188 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Acura RSX. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2006 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2006 Acura RSX 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:
| 2006 Acura RSX | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | RSX | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2950 mm |
