2009 Dodge Nitro vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 GMC Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 GMC Safari would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 595 kg more than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Dodge Nitro.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Nitro | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Dodge | GMC |
| Model | Nitro | Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3698 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 1360 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 98 L |
