1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1997 Jeep Wrangler
To start off, 1997 Jeep Wrangler is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,464 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 45 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler will offer significantly more control. 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 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (185 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1997 Jeep Wrangler has manual transmission. 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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 | 1997 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jeep |
| Model | Malibu | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2464 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2380 mm |
