2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 314 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (301 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Malibu | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 72 L |
