2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 98 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 96 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
