1998 Subaru Impreza vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1998 Subaru Impreza.
Because 1998 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Subaru Impreza. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1998 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 1998 Subaru Impreza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Subaru Impreza | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Subaru | Chevrolet |
| Model | Impreza | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2852 mm |
