2012 Chevrolet Express vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (260 HP @ 3100 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1121 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Express. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 556 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Express | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6600 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 711 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2361 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5692 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2012 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2070 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3429 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
