2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Ford Flex
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex 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 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 603 kg more than 2009 Ford Flex.
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, 2009 Ford Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Flex |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
