2008 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Express would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Express (301 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (232 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 140 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Express.
Because 2008 Chevrolet Express is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Express will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Express (441 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 2008 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5700 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
