2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 569 kg more than 1988 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 (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Malibu | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
