1998 BMW 320 vs. 2005 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 17 kg more than 2005 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1998 BMW 320 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 1998 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 320 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1459 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
