1998 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 10 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 3,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (149 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 279 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 78 L |
