2002 GMC Safari vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 GMC Safari is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 GMC Safari weights approximately 395 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2002 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 2002 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 GMC Safari | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | GMC | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Safari | S |
Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
Body Type | Van | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 338 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2950 mm |