2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 BMW 325
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 6 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, 2009 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 325 weights approximately 106 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 325 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, 2009 BMW 325 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, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Malibu | 325 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 63 L |
