2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2001 Honda Civic

To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (197 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 140 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic.

Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (196 Nm @ 5900 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2001 Honda Civic 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 2001 Honda Civic
Make Chevrolet Honda
Model Malibu Civic
Year Released 2003 2001
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3135 cc 1998 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 168 HP 197 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 7600 RPM
Torque 257 Nm 196 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 5900 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89.1 mm 86 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84 mm 86 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1380 kg 1240 kg
Vehicle Length 4840 mm 4150 mm
Vehicle Width 1770 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2720 mm 2580 mm