2002 GMC Safari vs. 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2002 GMC Safari is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Sunfire 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 72 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 GMC Safari weights approximately 755 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2002 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. 2002 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Sunfire has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Sunfire 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 | 1998 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | GMC | Pontiac |
| Model | Safari | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
