1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Infiniti Q45
To start off, 2006 Infiniti Q45 is newer by 9 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 4,490 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Infiniti Q45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Infiniti Q45 (340 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Infiniti Q45 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 65 kg more than 2006 Infiniti Q45.
Because 2006 Infiniti Q45 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 2006 Infiniti Q45. 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, 2006 Infiniti Q45 (452 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Infiniti Q45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Infiniti Q45 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Infiniti |
| Model | Malibu | Q45 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 452 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2880 mm |
