2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1999 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Subaru Forester 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 32 more horse power than 1999 Subaru Forester. (168 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1999 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 109 kg more than 1999 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Subaru Forester. (240 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Subaru Forester. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1999 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 1999 Subaru Forester 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 | 1999 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Malibu | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2530 mm |
