2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (201 HP) has 144 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 730 kg more than 1981 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Taunus 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 1981 Ford Taunus. 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, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Taunus 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 | 1981 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2580 mm |
