2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1999 Opel Frontera
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Opel Frontera 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 1999 Opel Frontera. (114 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Frontera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Frontera weights approximately 251 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 1999 Opel Frontera 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, 1999 Opel Frontera 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Opel Frontera. (260 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Opel Frontera.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1999 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Malibu | Frontera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2470 mm |
