2006 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1989 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Fairlane (186 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (144 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 192 kg more than 1989 Ford Fairlane.
Because 1989 Ford Fairlane 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 1989 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1989 Ford Fairlane (338 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Malibu | 1989 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 144 HP | 186 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2930 mm |
