1990 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 186 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
Because 1990 BMW M3 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 1990 BMW M3. 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW M3 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:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 76 L |
