1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (177 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 79 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. 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, 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass (217 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Malibu | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2740 mm |
