1997 GMC Safari vs. 1956 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1997 GMC Safari is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 1215 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 42 L |
