2006 Ford E-150 vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Ford E-150 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 Ford E-150 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-150 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 84 kg more than 2006 Ford E-150.
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 Ford E-150, 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, 2006 Ford E-150 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-150 | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | E-150 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1716 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2060 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2950 mm |
