2008 Ford Expedition vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Expedition 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 5,408 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Expedition (301 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Expedition 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 690 kg more than 2008 Ford Expedition.
Because 2008 Ford Expedition is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Expedition will offer significantly more control. 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 Ford Expedition (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Expedition | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Expedition | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5408 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5250 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1970 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
