2009 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick LaCrosse. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick LaCrosse | 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LaCrosse | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 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 | 230 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
