2001 GMC Safari vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 GMC Safari weights approximately 767 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2001 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 GMC Safari | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
