2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1983 GMC Suburban
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 GMC Suburban (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 GMC Suburban weights approximately 826 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 1983 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 GMC Suburban 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, 1983 GMC Suburban (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1983 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1983 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GMC |
| Model | Malibu | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 2330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3300 mm |
