1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2007 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2007 Kia Sorento is newer by 10 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Kia Sorento (262 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Kia Sorento weights approximately 702 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. 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, 2007 Kia Sorento (354 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 2007 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2087 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2720 mm |
