1997 GMC Safari vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 290 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 GMC Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
