2003 GMC Safari vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2003 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 GMC Safari weights approximately 134 kg more than 2012 Ford Taurus.
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, 2012 Ford Taurus, 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, 2003 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 GMC Safari | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | GMC | Ford |
| Model | Safari | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4292 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 72 L |
