2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2002 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Falcon (221 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 54 kg more than 2002 Ford Falcon.
Because 2002 Ford Falcon 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 2002 Ford Falcon. 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, 2002 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3150 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Falcon 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 | 2002 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 59 L |
