1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Porsche 911
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Porsche 911 (232 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 125 kg more than 1981 Porsche 911.
Because 1981 Porsche 911 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 1981 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1981 Porsche 911 (284 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1981 Porsche 911 has manual transmission. 1981 Porsche 911 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Porsche |
| Model | Malibu | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 3164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 74.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
