2006 Cadillac CTS vs. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2006 Cadillac CTS is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,564 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Cadillac CTS (252 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 281 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Cadillac CTS 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 2006 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2006 Cadillac CTS (342 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Cadillac CTS has manual transmission. 2006 Cadillac CTS will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Cadillac CTS | 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Cadillac | Chevrolet |
| Model | CTS | Malibu |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3564 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 342 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1746 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 56 L |
