1997 Buick Century vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 1997 Buick Century is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 6,558 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Buick Century. (165 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1997 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Buick Century, 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (440 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Buick Century. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Buick Century | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Century | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 6558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
