1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 10 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (156 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1450 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 2006 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3001 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1406 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 72 L |
