2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 6,558 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. (182 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 173 kg more than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Because 1976 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 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (440 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Buick | Pontiac |
| Model | Lucerne | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 6558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1762 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2950 mm |
