1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 424 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (197 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 25 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 660 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Express | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 3165 mm |
