1998 GMC Safari vs. 2008 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 is newer by 10 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, 2008 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 195 kg more than 2008 BMW 530.
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, 2008 BMW 530 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2008 BMW 530 | |
| Make | GMC | BMW |
| Model | Safari | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
