2008 Acura TL vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 27 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, 2008 Acura TL (286 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL 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 526 kg more than 2008 Acura TL.
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, 2008 Acura TL, 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, 2008 Acura TL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Acura | Pontiac |
| Model | TL | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2950 mm |
