1998 Ford F-150 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford F-150. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford F-150 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford F-150 (203 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (169 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford F-150 weights approximately 518 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ford F-150 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford F-150 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, 1998 Ford F-150 (338 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford F-150 has manual transmission. 1998 Ford F-150 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford F-150 | 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | F-150 | Malibu |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2075 kg | 1557 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4872 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2852 mm |
