2001 GMC Safari vs. 1978 Buick Century
To start off, 2001 GMC Safari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 GMC Safari (187 HP) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Buick Century. (140 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2001 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 GMC Safari weights approximately 525 kg more than 1978 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 GMC Safari (338 Nm) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Buick Century. (250 Nm). This means 2001 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 GMC Safari | 1978 Buick Century | |
| Make | GMC | Buick |
| Model | Safari | Century |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 140 HP |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 94.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2760 mm |
