2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2000 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Smart Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Smart Roadster 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 119 more horse power than 2000 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 610 kg more than 2000 Smart Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Smart Roadster 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 2000 Smart Roadster. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart Roadster. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2000 Smart Roadster has manual transmission. 2000 Smart Roadster 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 | 2000 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Smart |
| Model | Malibu | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2370 mm |
