1997 GMC Safari vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura 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, 1997 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Saturn Aura. (167 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2009 Saturn Aura. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 626 kg more than 2009 Saturn Aura. 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, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Aura. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Aura.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | GMC | Saturn |
| Model | Safari | Aura |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2382 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 61 L |
