2008 BMW 523 vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 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 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 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 310 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 523 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
