1986 BMW 325 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 131 kg more than 1986 BMW 325.
Because 1986 BMW 325 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 1986 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1986 BMW 325 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 325 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 76 L |
