2003 Buick Regal vs. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Buick Regal is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Regal (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 Buick Regal.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Regal, 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, 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Buick Regal. (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Buick Regal.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Regal | 1985 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Regal | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2950 mm |
