2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 396 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1988 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1988 Chevrolet Caprice (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Caprice |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 5032 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2950 mm |
