2009 Ford Flex vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex 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 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1998 GMC Safari. (187 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 1998 GMC Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 989 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
Because 1998 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 1998 GMC Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex, 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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Flex. (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Flex.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Flex | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Flex | Safari |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 98 L |
