1999 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1999 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1999 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 120 kg more than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Because 1999 GMC 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 1999 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | GMC | Buick |
| Model | Safari | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 68 L |
