1996 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 7 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Malibu | 6 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
