1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1978 Volkswagen Citi
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Citi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Citi would be higher. At 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (94 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1476 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 1997 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Citi, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Citi. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Citi has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Citi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1978 Volkswagen Citi | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | Citi |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2410 mm |
