1998 GMC Safari vs. 1987 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 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 117 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 915 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 1987 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 70 HP |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2560 mm |
