1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 16 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 333 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.
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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1718 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2751 mm |
