1998 GMC Safari vs. 1989 Honda Shuttle
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Shuttle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Shuttle 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 98 more horse power than 1989 Honda Shuttle. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Shuttle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1989 Honda Shuttle. 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, 1989 Honda Shuttle, 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 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Shuttle. (112 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Shuttle. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Shuttle has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Shuttle 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 | 1989 Honda Shuttle | |
| Make | GMC | Honda |
| Model | Safari | Shuttle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Van | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
