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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 219 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 12 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 | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 19.0:1 |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 62 L |
