1997 GMC Safari vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 30 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safari | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3221 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 88 L |
