2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 213 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat (359 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Malibu | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 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 | 1569 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
