1998 GMC Safari vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 670 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2430 mm |
