1989 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 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 95 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1989 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:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Escort | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
