2006 BMW 330 vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 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 BMW 330 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 330. (290 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 330. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 330 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 BMW 330 | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 330 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.2 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2950 mm |
