1971 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu

To start off, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1971 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Cortina.

Because 1971 Ford Cortina 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 1971 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Chevrolet Malibu (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Cortina. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1971 Ford Cortina 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Make Ford Chevrolet
Model Cortina Malibu
Year Released 1971 2010
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1298 cc 2400 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 56 HP 169 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6400 RPM
Torque 91 Nm 217 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4500 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Length 4280 mm 4872 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1786 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1450 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2852 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 87 L 61 L