1998 GMC Safari vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo

To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo 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 113 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 860 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Polo, 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 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen Polo 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 2004 Volkswagen Polo
Make GMC Volkswagen
Model Safari Polo
Year Released 1998 2004
Body Type Van Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4293 cc 1390 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 187 HP 74 HP
Engine RPM 4400 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 338 Nm 126 Nm
Torque RPM 2800 RPM 3800 RPM
Engine Bore Size 102 mm 76.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 75.6 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 8 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 3 doors
Vehicle Weight 1955 kg 1095 kg
Vehicle Length 4830 mm 3900 mm
Vehicle Width 1980 mm 1660 mm
Vehicle Height 1910 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2830 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 98 L 45 L