1997 GMC Safari vs. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen Microbus 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, 1997 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (134 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 295 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. 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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. (201 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Microbus. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2002 Volkswagen Microbus has manual transmission. 2002 Volkswagen Microbus 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 | 2002 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
