1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1990 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 321 kg more than 1990 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, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 1990 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
