1999 GMC Safari vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 GMC Safari 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 5 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Safari weights approximately 165 kg more than 2011 BMW 520. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Safari | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | GMC | BMW |
| Model | Safari | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Van | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4291 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
