1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 10 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 500 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 591 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 87 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
