1997 GMC Safari vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 16 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 325 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 GMC Safari | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | GMC | BMW |
| Model | Safari | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| 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 | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
