2009 Honda Pilot vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Honda Pilot 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Pilot (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Pilot weights approximately 155 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 2009 Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot (343 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Pilot | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Honda | Pontiac |
| Model | Pilot | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
