1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2001 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 5 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 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 155 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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, 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. (138 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Vitara. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2001 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 2001 Suzuki Vitara 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 | 2001 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2210 mm |
