1981 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 881 kg more than 1981 Buick Estate. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 331 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Estate. (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Estate.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Estate | Express |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 2761 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3429 mm |
