1995 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1995 Buick Riviera is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Buick Riviera (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 100 kg more than 1995 Buick Riviera.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Buick Riviera, 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, 1995 Buick Riviera (387 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1995 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Buick Riviera | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
