1998 GMC Safari vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 140 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Safari | CLS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
