1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. 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 32 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | SE |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2760 mm |
