1997 GMC Safari vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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 83 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 695 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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, 2008 Mazda 3, 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 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
