1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2012 Buick Enclave 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 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 256 kg more than 2012 Buick Enclave.
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, 2012 Buick Enclave, 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick Enclave. (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick Enclave.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Buick |
| Model | Express | Enclave |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1842 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 3020 mm |
