1997 GMC Safari vs. 2009 Lexus GS
To start off, 2009 Lexus GS 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 Lexus GS (303 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 Lexus GS.
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, 2009 Lexus GS (372 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2009 Lexus GS | |
| Make | GMC | Lexus |
| Model | Safari | GS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 71 L |
