2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (300 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 413 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 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer significantly more control. 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 Mitsubishi Lancer (540 Nm) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Malibu | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 74 L |
