2008 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox 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 Chevrolet Equinox (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 400 kg more than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. (285 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Equinox.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Equinox | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Equinox | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2950 mm |
