1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 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 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 42 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 1 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Volvo S40 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S40 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 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Malibu | S40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1384 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
