2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2001 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,933 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 176 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird 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 2001 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2001 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2001 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 249 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
