2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger 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 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (206 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (324 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger 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 | 2006 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Ranger |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 84 L |
