1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Micra 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 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 86 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Micra. (64 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 336 kg more than 2006 Nissan Micra. 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 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Micra. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Micra. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan Micra has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan Micra 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 | 2006 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | Micra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2440 mm |
