1996 BMW 540 vs. 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 540 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 1996 BMW 540. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2004 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
