2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,501 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 719 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. 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 Chevrolet Malibu (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Malibu | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 1333 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 40 L |
