1998 GMC Safari vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari.
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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
