2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 290 kg more than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Nissan 300 ZX 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 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1988 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Malibu | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
