2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Ford Focus
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 2 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2005 Ford Focus. (128 HP @ 3850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 207 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus. 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, 2005 Ford Focus (325 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Focus 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 | 2005 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3850 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 53 L |
