1998 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Mazda CX-9
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-9 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 Mazda CX-9 (273 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-9 should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-9 weights approximately 8 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.
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 Mazda CX-9, 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, 2012 Mazda CX-9 (366 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 GMC Safari | 2012 Mazda CX-9 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | CX-9 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1963 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 76 L |
