1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 15 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (252 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 285 kg more than 2012 Alpina B7.
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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Alpina |
| Model | Express | B7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2390 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 3211 mm |
