1997 GMC Safari vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 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 66 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 1205 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise. 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 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise 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 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | GMC | Lotus |
| Model | Safari | Elise |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 31 L |
