1997 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E.
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 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safari | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1825 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
