1999 GMC Safari vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
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 Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel 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 125 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 1085 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 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, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 1999 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Tercel has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Tercel 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 Tercel | |
| Make | GMC | Toyota |
| Model | Safari | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2510 mm |
