1997 GMC Safari vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 12 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 593 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | GMC | BMW |
| Model | Safari | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
