1997 GMC Safari vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 490 kg more than 1997 GMC Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safari | GL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 100 L |
