2009 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 1997 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (217 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1103 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Chevrolet Express. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 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, 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche (455 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Express. (379 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche | 1997 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Avalanche | Express |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 4997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 2364 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 3440 mm |
