1997 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford F-150. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford F-150 would be higher. At 5,406 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1997 Ford F-150. (256 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford F-150. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford F-150 weights approximately 869 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 1997 Ford F-150 (467 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford F-150 has manual transmission. 1997 Ford F-150 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford F-150 | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | F-150 | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5406 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 5850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 3650 mm |
