2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 12 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 4,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (217 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 747 kg more than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
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, 2009 Buick Lucerne, 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 (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Buick Lucerne. (322 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Buick Lucerne.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Lucerne | Express |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 2364 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 3440 mm |
