1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (109 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 Chevrolet Malibu | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2810 mm |
