1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1998 Opel Meriva
To start off, 1998 Opel Meriva 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 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 76 more horse power than 1998 Opel Meriva. (74 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Meriva weights approximately 8 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 1998 Opel Meriva. (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Opel Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1998 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Malibu | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
