2009 Ford F-350 vs. 1997 GMC Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford F-350 is newer by 12 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford F-350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford F-350 (300 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford F-350 should accelerate faster than 1997 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 GMC Safari weights approximately 989 kg more than 2009 Ford F-350.
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, 2009 Ford F-350 (495 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 GMC Safari. (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford F-350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 GMC Safari. 1997 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford F-350 has manual transmission. 2009 Ford F-350 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:
| 2009 Ford F-350 | 1997 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | F-350 | Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 495 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5770 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1940 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 144 L | 98 L |
