2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2005 Kia Sportage 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 62 more horse power than 2005 Kia Sportage. (138 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 27 kg more than 2005 Kia Sportage. 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 (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Kia Sportage. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| 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 | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
