2003 GMC Safari vs. 1980 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 2003 GMC Safari is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 4,292 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler 1609. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Safari weights approximately 855 kg more than 1980 Chrysler 1609. 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, 2003 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler 1609. (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 GMC Safari | 1980 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | GMC | Chrysler |
| Model | Safari | 1609 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
