1989 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 262 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Sierra will offer significantly more control. 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 Sierra (238 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1989 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1989 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Sierra | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2852 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
