1981 Buick Estate vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Buick Estate. 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Buick | GMC |
| Model | Estate | Safari |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2830 mm |
