1997 BMW S3 vs. 2000 GMC Safari
To start off, 2000 GMC Safari is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2000 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2000 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 GMC Safari weights approximately 587 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2000 GMC Safari (339 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 2000 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3. 2000 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2000 GMC Safari | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | S3 | Safari |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
