1995 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 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 1995 BMW M3. 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, 1995 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1995 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW M3 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:
| 1995 BMW M3 | 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2988 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
