2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 GMC Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 122 kg more than 1997 GMC Safari. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1997 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Explorer | Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 98 L |
