1988 Buick Electra vs. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra.
Because 1983 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 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1983 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Electra | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
