1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, both 1996 Caterham 7 and 1996 Chevrolet Malibu were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 907 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 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 Caterham 7. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | 7 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
