1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 278 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Malibu (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Focus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
