2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1971 Oldsmobile 442
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile 442. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile 442 would be higher. At 7,467 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile 442 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (260 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile 442 weights approximately 161 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Oldsmobile 442 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 1971 Oldsmobile 442. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1971 Oldsmobile 442 (502 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile 442 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1971 Oldsmobile 442 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Malibu | 442 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 7467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2850 mm |
