2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 299 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2780 mm |
