1998 GMC Safari vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 30 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (157 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 760 kg more than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 GMC Safari. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volkswagen Golf. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1988 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1988 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Golf |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
