1996 Buick Riviera vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1996 Buick Riviera is newer by 17 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 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 175 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Riviera | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Riviera | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2950 mm |
