1976 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2011 Buick Lucerne is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 144 kg more than 2011 Buick Lucerne.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Buick Lucerne, 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, 2011 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2011 Buick Lucerne | |
| Make | Pontiac | Buick |
| Model | Grand Safari | Lucerne |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 3900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 5161 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2936 mm |
