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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (110 HP @ 4000 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 620 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 (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2640 mm |
