  We investigate the statistical properties of the scattering matrix $S$
describing the electron transport through quasi-one dimensional disordered
systems. For weak disorder (metallic regime), the energy dependence of the
phase shifts of $S$ is found to yield the same universal parametric
correlations as those characterizing chaotic Hamiltonian eigenvalues driven by
an external parameter. This is analyzed within a Brownian-motion model for $S$,
which is directly related to the distribution of the Wigner-Smith delay time
matrix. For large disorder (localized regime), transport is dominated by
resonant tunneling and the universal behavior disappears. A model based on a
simplified description of the localized wave functions qualitatively explains
our numerical results. In the insulator, the parametric correlation of the
phase shift velocities follows the energy-dependent autocorrelator of the
Wigner time. The Wigner time and the conductance are correlated in the metal
and in the insulator.
