2001 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Ford Freestyle
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestyle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestyle (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestyle should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestyle weights approximately 335 kg more than 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Ford Freestyle is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestyle 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, 2006 Ford Freestyle (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestyle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Ford Freestyle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Freestyle |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2870 mm |
