1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1999 Ford Focus
To start off, 1999 Ford Focus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Express 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 213 more horse power than 1999 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1999 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1234 kg more than 1999 Ford Focus. 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, 1999 Ford Focus, 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 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Ford Focus. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Focus 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 | 1999 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Express | Focus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 1387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2620 mm |
