1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 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 76 more horse power than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2008 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 733 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Dodge Nitro. (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Dodge Nitro. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 2008 Dodge Nitro has manual transmission. 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Express | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2770 mm |
