2003 GMC Safari vs. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 GMC Safari 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 15 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Transporter. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Transporter weights approximately 389 kg more than 2003 GMC Safari.
Because 2003 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 2003 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter, 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, 2007 Volkswagen Transporter (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Transporter will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 GMC Safari | 2007 Volkswagen Transporter | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Safari | Transporter |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Van | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 2460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 2344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
