2009 Buick LaCrosse vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,325 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (300 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 27 kg more than 2009 Buick LaCrosse.
Because 1988 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 1988 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, 2009 Buick LaCrosse (438 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick LaCrosse | 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | LaCrosse | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5325 cc | 5031 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 438 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1885 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 |
