1986 Buick Estate vs. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Buick Estate would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Estate (183 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Estate weights approximately 420 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Buick Estate 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 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Buick Estate (435 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Estate | 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Buick | Chevrolet |
| Model | Estate | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 435 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2950 mm |
