1997 GMC Safari vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1997 GMC Safari is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 18 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 124 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (63 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 970 kg more than 1979 Renault 18. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Renault 18, 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, 1997 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (103 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1979 Renault 18 has manual transmission. 1979 Renault 18 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | GMC | Renault |
| Model | Safari | 18 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
