2003 GMC Safari vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Safari weights approximately 544 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
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 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 GMC Safari | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Safari | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 64 L |
