1998 GMC Safari vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 64 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 570 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Passat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1896 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 | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
