1998 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Toyota Century
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century 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 19 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 150 kg more than 1981 Toyota Century. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Century. (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 1981 Toyota Century | |
| Make | GMC | Toyota |
| Model | Safari | Century |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2870 mm |
