2006 Ford Escape vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Ford Escape 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 Escape (155 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape 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 85 kg more than 2006 Ford Escape.
Because 2006 Ford Escape is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape will offer significantly more control. 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 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Escape. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Escape | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escape | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
