1998 GMC Safari vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 887 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (119 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1979 Mazda Montrose has manual transmission. 1979 Mazda Montrose will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | Montrose |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 119 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
