2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 15 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | C | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2950 mm |
