1975 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 1975 Ford Escort. 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (161 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Escort | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
