2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 2009 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2009 Ford Fusion 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 Fusion (221 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fusion 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 Fusion.
Because 2009 Ford Fusion 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 Ford Fusion 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Fusion. (278 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 2009 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Malibu | Fusion |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 66 L |
