2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 186 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 Pontiac GTO is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2006 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Pontiac |
| Model | Malibu | GTO |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 5965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 68 L |
