1997 GMC Safari vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 GMC Safari 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 76 more horse power than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 920 kg more than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 | 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | GMC | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Safari | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1480 mm |
