1998 GMC Safari vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Passat 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) has 128 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
