2004 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2004 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 25 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, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (238 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick LaCrosse 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 260 kg more than 2004 Buick LaCrosse.
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, 2004 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, 2004 Buick LaCrosse (311 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick LaCrosse | 1979 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LaCrosse | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
