1998 GMC Safari vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 8 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 53 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (134 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 415 kg more than 2006 Mazda 6. 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, 2006 Mazda 6, 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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 6. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 6. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 6 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 | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | 6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 64 L |
