1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2003 Chevrolet SSR
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 6 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (217 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet SSR.
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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2003 Chevrolet SSR | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Express | SSR |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 5316 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 379 Nm | 449 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2364 kg | 2154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2950 mm |
