1998 GMC Safari vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 39 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| 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 | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
