2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 101 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (242 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 242 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 86.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 65 L |
