1974 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Ford Fairlane. (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 105 kg more than 1974 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Ford Fairlane 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 1974 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1974 Ford Fairlane (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fairlane | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2852 mm |
