1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 519 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1989 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Caprice | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 61 L |
