2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2008 Opel Zafira 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 Opel Zafira. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Zafira weights approximately 133 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
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, 2008 Opel Zafira (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Opel |
| Model | Malibu | Zafira |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1628 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 58 L |
