1997 GMC Safari vs. 2009 Volvo S80
To start off, 2009 Volvo S80 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 Volvo S80 (232 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 325 kg more than 2009 Volvo S80.
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 Volvo S80, 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S80. (236 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2009 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | GMC | Volvo |
| Model | Safari | S80 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
