1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Honda Odyssey
To start off, 2012 Honda Odyssey 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 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Honda Odyssey (248 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (217 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 296 kg more than 2012 Honda Odyssey.
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 Honda Odyssey, 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 (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Odyssey. (339 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Odyssey.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Honda Odyssey | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Express | Odyssey |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4997 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 379 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2364 kg | 2068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1737 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 3000 mm |
