2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2002 GMC Safari
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 GMC Safari weights approximately 212 kg more than 2008 Ford S-Max. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max, 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, 2002 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2002 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford S-Max. 2002 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2002 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | S-Max | Safari |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
