1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, both 1998 Chevrolet Malibu and 1998 Mazda 323 were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (149 HP) has 75 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 239 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda 323 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda 323 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 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | 323 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1323 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
