1998 GMC Safari vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 13 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 441 kg more than 2011 Volvo S40.
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, 2011 Volvo S40, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | GMC | Volvo |
| Model | Safari | S40 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1514 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
