1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 2011 Buick Lucerne
To start off, 2011 Buick Lucerne is newer by 30 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, 2011 Buick Lucerne (292 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 13 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 1981 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 1981 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 (390 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 2011 Buick Lucerne | |
Make | Pontiac | Buick |
Model | Grand Safari | Lucerne |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 4600 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 149 HP | 292 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
Torque | 325 Nm | 390 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1813 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 |