1989 Ford Fairlane vs. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu (187 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fairlane. (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 10 kg more than 1989 Ford Fairlane. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. (244 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fairlane | 2013 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Fairlane | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3949 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2738 mm |
