2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 5 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 3,501 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 397 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (299 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3501 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1504 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 78 L |
