1998 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Cadillac Escalade
To start off, 2012 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 14 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 664 kg more than 1998 GMC Safari. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2012 Cadillac Escalade | |
| Make | GMC | Cadillac |
| Model | Safari | Escalade |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5639 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1892 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3302 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 117 L |
