1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1997 Chevrolet Malibu and 1997 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 175 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2520 mm |
