1997 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2003 Toyota Solara is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 2,437 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Solara weights approximately 10 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. 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, 2003 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Malibu. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2003 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2003 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Malibu | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Solara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
