1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Malibu 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 20 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 120 kg more than 2006 Ford Focus. 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Focus. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Focus. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Focus 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 | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
