1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is newer by 13 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 4,155 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (269 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer weights approximately 768 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 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 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, 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 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, 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (373 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | TrailBlazer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4155 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2153 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2880 mm |
