1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1997 Suzuki Baleno
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Suzuki Baleno. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Suzuki Baleno would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. (99 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 351 kg more than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. (127 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Suzuki Baleno. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1997 Suzuki Baleno has manual transmission. 1997 Suzuki Baleno will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 1997 Suzuki Baleno | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Suzuki |
| Model | Malibu | Baleno |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 51 L |
