1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1999 Toyota MR-S
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR-S is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. 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 10 more horse power than 1999 Toyota MR-S. (140 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota MR-S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 415 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR-S. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Toyota MR-S 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 1999 Toyota MR-S. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR-S. (176 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR-S. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1999 Toyota MR-S has manual transmission. 1999 Toyota MR-S 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 | 1999 Toyota MR-S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | MR-S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2610 mm |
