1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 14 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 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (252 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2011 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1200 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Focus. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Express | Focus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2390 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2614 mm |
