2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 95 kg more than 2008 Kia Sorento.
Because 2008 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento 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 Kia Sorento (309 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (257 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Malibu | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 3342 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 257 Nm | 309 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2720 mm |
