2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1988 Toyota Supra
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Supra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Supra would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Supra (232 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Supra should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 19 kg more than 1988 Toyota Supra.
Because 1988 Toyota Supra 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 Toyota Supra. 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 Toyota Supra (351 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Supra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1988 Toyota Supra has manual transmission. 1988 Toyota Supra 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 | 1988 Toyota Supra | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Supra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
