2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (137 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 306 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe has manual transmission. 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 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 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
| Model | Malibu | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 86.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1686 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2760 mm |
