1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara (164 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Because 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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, 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
