2009 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 28 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 341 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.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Avalanche | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2141 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2950 mm |
