2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (321 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 390 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (461 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Malibu | Tahoe |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 321 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 98 L |
