1998 GMC Safari vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 GMC Safari 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 64 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 580 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo, 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safari | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 54 L |
