2012 Chevrolet Express vs. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Express. (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 2 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Express. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Express. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Express. (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Express.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Express | 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Express | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4300 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 4-speed automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2231 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5692 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2012 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2126 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3429 mm | 2881 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
