2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 5,997 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 191 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
