2006 Dodge Stratus vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Dodge Stratus 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 Dodge Stratus (150 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Stratus should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
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 Dodge Stratus, 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Dodge Stratus. (218 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Dodge Stratus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Stratus | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Stratus | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2950 mm |
