1997 GMC Safari vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 9 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 72 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (115 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 793 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
