1997 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 554 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | GTI |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
