1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2007 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2007 Kia Sportage is newer by 11 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (156 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2007 Kia Sportage. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sportage weights approximately 354 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2007 Kia Sportage 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, 2007 Kia Sportage 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, 2007 Kia Sportage (306 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2007 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2007 Kia Sportage 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 | 2007 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 58 L |
