1961 Ford Zodiac vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Because 1961 Ford Zodiac 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 1961 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Zodiac | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
