2008 BMW 550 vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 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 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 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 140 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
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, 2008 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 550 | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
