Why would a 98 Malibu be more responsive?
03-03-2015, 02:10 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: California
Posts: 27
Why would a 98 Malibu be more responsive?
So my dad bought a 98 Malibu recently dirt cheap from a family member and I have driven it a few times.
While we have not outright raced the cars the Malibu seems a lot more responsive with the gas pedal and seems to have a lot more pick up when accelerating.
His Malibu has a 3.1L V6 with 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque..
From my understanding 98 V-6 Stangs have 150 horsepower and over 200 torque.
Mine is dual exhaust and I'm sure that adds a few more horses..
Why is the malibu so much more responsive? Perhaps the front wheel drive car loses less power by having less to go through to get the power to the wheels or a more responsive transmission..
Does anybody know why this might be? I still love my 98 V-6 but am wondering about the sluggishness compared to similar power cars.
While we have not outright raced the cars the Malibu seems a lot more responsive with the gas pedal and seems to have a lot more pick up when accelerating.
His Malibu has a 3.1L V6 with 150 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque..
From my understanding 98 V-6 Stangs have 150 horsepower and over 200 torque.
Mine is dual exhaust and I'm sure that adds a few more horses..
Why is the malibu so much more responsive? Perhaps the front wheel drive car loses less power by having less to go through to get the power to the wheels or a more responsive transmission..
Does anybody know why this might be? I still love my 98 V-6 but am wondering about the sluggishness compared to similar power cars.
03-03-2015, 12:01 PM
#3
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 118
that or if your throttle cable has slack in it a slight tightening will resolve the slack and translate into better pep, I would check your throttle cable for slack as well!! I did that one one of the other cars I had and cleared up the "not so peppy" feel. if needed I can link a video to how to do this (very easy and its a $0.00 mod), just let me know!
03-04-2015, 10:12 AM
#5
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 80
Pnyxpress is correct, those GM FWD V6's have very short low gearing which helps initial take off, and a nice tall O/D for great hwy mileage. We used to have a '95 Lumina in the family, same motor/trans although that had 160hp. It felt pretty responsive for the time. Good car, but also a victim of head gasket/cooling issues common with that 3.1....Just a fair warning for you.
03-04-2015, 11:59 AM
#6
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: NV
Posts: 219
FWD generally seems more responsive than RWD, pound for pound and up to the limits of traction and power. It's easier to pull than to push, you have less rotating weight that needs to spin up, and you feel the power through the steering wheel.
HOWEVER, the traction limit is more easily reached with FWD, so ultimate acceleration and handling are affected. In a straight line, the FWD has the advantage, but in a road course, all else being equal, the RWD wins.
HOWEVER, the traction limit is more easily reached with FWD, so ultimate acceleration and handling are affected. In a straight line, the FWD has the advantage, but in a road course, all else being equal, the RWD wins.
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