1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1999 Kia Clarus
To start off, 1999 Kia Clarus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Malibu 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 6 more horse power than 1999 Kia Clarus. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1999 Kia Clarus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 136 kg more than 1999 Kia Clarus. 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Clarus. (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Clarus. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Clarus has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Clarus 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 | 1999 Kia Clarus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Clarus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2670 mm |
