1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (197 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 767 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Passat.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2803 mm |
