2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 3 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, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 146 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 2006 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Five Hundred.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 72 L |
