1997 GMC Safari vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 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 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 305 kg more than 2012 BMW 135.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 135 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 135 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | GMC | BMW |
| Model | Safari | 135 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 53 L |
