2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1990 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 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 50 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 469 kg more than 1990 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1990 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 | 1990 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Malibu | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1026 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 45 L |
