1997 GMC Safari vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 GMC Safari is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 98 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari.
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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit 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 | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | GMC | Lotus |
| Model | Safari | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2420 mm |
