2006 Ford Fiesta vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Ford Fiesta 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (100 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 692 kg more than 2006 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Fiesta, 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) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fiesta | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Fiesta | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 149 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1108 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2950 mm |
