1997 GMC Safari vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 14 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, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 388 kg more than 2011 Lexus IS.
Because 2011 Lexus IS is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 GMC Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS 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, 1997 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | GMC | Lexus |
| Model | Safari | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 65 L |
