1996 Opel Vectra vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Vectra would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Opel Vectra. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1996 Opel Vectra.
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 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Opel Vectra. (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Opel Vectra. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1996 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 1996 Opel Vectra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Opel Vectra | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Opel | Chevrolet |
| Model | Vectra | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
