1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1975 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (156 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1975 Ford Fairlane. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 44 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Fairlane. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1975 Ford Fairlane (326 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1975 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 4096 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2950 mm |
