1999 GMC Safari vs. 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 1999 GMC Safari is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 69 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. (118 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 455 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. 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, 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport. (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 1989 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Van | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2800 mm |
