1997 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Acura MDX
To start off, 2012 Acura MDX is newer by 15 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, 2012 Acura MDX (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura MDX should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura MDX weights approximately 109 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 2012 Acura MDX 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, 2012 Acura MDX 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, 2012 Acura MDX (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Acura MDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2012 Acura MDX | |
| Make | GMC | Acura |
| Model | Safari | MDX |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2064 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4867 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1994 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 79 L |
