2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2002 Honda Accord
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Accord would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda Accord (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Accord weights approximately 94 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.
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, 2002 Honda Accord (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2002 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Malibu | Accord |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 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 | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2770 mm |
