2009 Dodge Durango vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Dodge Durango 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 5,652 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Durango (345 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango 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 109 kg more than 2009 Dodge Durango.
Because 2009 Dodge Durango 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, 2009 Dodge Durango 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, 2009 Dodge Durango (515 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Durango | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Durango | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5652 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2950 mm |
