1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1998 Dodge Ram
To start off, 1998 Dodge Ram is newer by 2 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 5,208 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Ram (223 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (156 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Ram weights approximately 694 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Ram 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, 1998 Dodge Ram 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, 1998 Dodge Ram (399 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1998 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Malibu | Ram |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 5208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2790 mm |
