2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,397 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP) has 35 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 227 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | 230 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2397 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 12 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
