2008 BMW 523 vs. 1997 GMC Safari
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 465 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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, 1997 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1997 GMC Safari | |
| Make | BMW | GMC |
| Model | 523 | Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
