1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1998 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Ford Escort is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Escort. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 1998 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
