2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 126 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Malibu | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
