1959 BMW 700 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 755 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 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 1959 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1959 BMW 700 has manual transmission. 1959 BMW 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 700 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2760 mm |
