1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1106 kg more than 2012 Nissan Sentra. 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra, 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 356 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Express | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4567 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2685 mm |
