2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2004 Fiat Barchetta
To start off, 2004 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Malibu would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (129 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. (162 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Fiat Barchetta. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2004 Fiat Barchetta has manual transmission. 2004 Fiat Barchetta 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 | 2004 Fiat Barchetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Fiat |
| Model | Malibu | Barchetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2280 mm |
