1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 7 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 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 280 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 2003 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2003 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (249 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3934 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 59 L |
