1995 GMC Safari vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 GMC Safari is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 GMC Safari weights approximately 880 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 GMC 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 1995 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1995 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 GMC Safari | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
