1998 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Lexus RX
To start off, 2012 Lexus RX 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus RX (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus RX should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 Lexus RX.
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, 2012 Lexus RX, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus RX. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus RX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2012 Lexus RX | |
| Make | GMC | Lexus |
| Model | Safari | RX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 73 L |
