1998 GMC Safari vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 6 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 37 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 519 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
