1999 GMC Safari vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 132 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 1180 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 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, 1999 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 1999 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | GMC | Toyota |
| Model | Safari | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
