2009 Chevrolet Express vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Express would be higher. At 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Express (319 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 156 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Express (498 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Express | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | GTI |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 319 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 12 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1393 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 Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
