1999 GMC Safari vs. 1977 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,291 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1977 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Van | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
