1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 439 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1824 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
