2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (247 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 531 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 1996 Chevrolet 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, 1996 Chevrolet 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, 1996 Chevrolet Suburban (455 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1996 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 9 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 2100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3350 mm |
